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everlarkbirthdaygifts · 4 years

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Happy Birthday, elricsister!

Apologies for the delay, @elricsister (my bad!). We hope you had a wonderful day yesterday, surrounded by loved ones, and topped off with delicious cake! To bring your party back, the lovely @historywriter2007 has written a story just for you!

A/N: Happy Birthday Elricsister! I hope you are having a great day! I had you for the Secret Santa exchange and had an idea for this one, but I went with the more Christmasy prompt. I’m glad I got to put this together for you. I choose the song El Tango de Roxanne from Mulan Rouge, I thought it sounded angsty enough for an enemies to lovers story. Hope you enjoy it.

Two to Tango

Rated T (suggestive)

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Katniss took a deep breath as the other team finished their act, of course, they would go last, just one more way this entire situation screwed her over. It had been her second season as a dancer on Dancing with the Capital. She was thankful for the opportunity to be on the show, especially since it paid for her sister to go to college and for once they both had plenty. Unlike many of the other dancers, Katniss had to rely on herself to learn since she had to quit lessons at 11-years-old when her father died. At least she had enough of a base to continue, not to mention the Capital loved a survival story, as the producers put it. She should have known things would not be in her favor when it was announced that the powers that be wanted to add a show to the very end of their season.

Less than a week before they pulled everyone together to announce the additional episode, it would be a dance-off between the dancers, instead of the Capital darlings. They would all be paired at random, then given the song, it would be up to them to come up with the dance. The winners would get a bonus, something Katniss would be able to put away for Prim to use. She quietly prayed to be set up with anyone besides him, but of course, the first two names picked were Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

It wasn’t that she didn’t like Peeta, in fact, she hated Peeta. He had started the same year she did, and at first, she thought they could be friends, but he showed his strips in the first few weeks. As soon as his dance partner, Cashmere showed up. He also bragged about the new movie deal he had received, some stupid action movie where he would undoubtedly show off his muscular arms and chiseled stomach, not that she noticed any of that. Things only got worse when Haymitch, one of the producers, showed up to tell them what song they had to dance to. El Tango De Roxanne, they thought it would be great to do a nod to “Old Hollywood” since he was now going to be a movie star. Haymitch reminded them that the Tango was filled with passion, and hatred would be just fine, then he laughed as Katniss scowled at him, apparently, everyone knew how much they hated each other.

She felt his presence before he spoke, “Do you want me to say something to piss you off before we go out there? You seem to do better when you’re especially angry at me.”

Katniss turned to look at him, for a moment she forgot herself as she took in his outfit. Black pants that stretched over his strong thighs, she was sure his ass looked great too, and a white shirt with only a couple of buttons done. Her eyes finally reached his face and found his giving her a smirk, “Just you being here is enough to piss me off.”

The could hear the judges telling Clove and Cato how they had done, any moment they would be introduced. Peeta’s face seemed to soften a bit, “One more time? For the crowd?”

She smiled back and nodded just as their names were announced, not giving her the time to think about how his eyes seemed to carry a bit of sadness.

Katniss stood in the center of the dancefloor, trying not to feel embarrassed. One more thing she hated, her outfit. It was little more than a corset with a small skirt and fishnet tights. The music started and she felt Peeta come up behind her, just as the practiced. The moves in the dance were passionate, angry and sensual. She had to admit, Haymitch was right, her anger seemed to work just fine with the Tango and especially with the song they choose. Doing some happy Jitterbug dance would have never worked for them. Enemies would have a really hard time acting happy.

They danced their hearts out, even though she was sure Peeta didn’t need the bonus he at least seemed to want to win this competition. Maybe it was because it was his last night. The final moves put Katniss fully at his mercy, one wrong move and he could drop her, but it was flawless. The judges praised the dance giving them 9’s and a highly coveted 10, meaning their score was the highest. All the dancers came to the stage for the announcement, Katniss and Peeta had won! Katniss jumped into his arms, hugging him before she could register what she had done. The moment his arms wrapped around her, without the guise of a dance move, she felt a spark run through her. She quickly stepped back, and they said thank you’s before leaving the stage.

Peeta walked with Katniss toward the dressing rooms. When she got to her door he stopped her. “I’m glad we got to dance together. I’m not sure why you hate me so much, but I just wanted to let you know I never disliked you. Good luck Katniss.” He turned and Katniss watched him walk to his room.

She stormed through her door, how dare he do this on his last night. Why wouldn’t she hate him, he was just like the Capital Darlings he danced with, manipulative and full of himself. She still remembered the way Cashemer looked straight at her when she announced she and Peeta had taken their “friendship” to the next level. She never thought someone like him would sleep his way to the top, she was wrong about him. Katniss then started noticing the little things, how he would whisper to others, many times looking her way. He was just like so many of the others that wrote her off as less than worthy of her job.

Katniss’s hair now hung loosely behind her, removed from the updo next she ripped off her outfit and put on a t-shirt and yoga pants, then to remove the pounds of makeup they always seemed to put on her. All the while she was getting angrier, why was he doing this now?

Against her better judgment, she stalked the three doors down and banged on Peeta’s door. She had to know what he was up to. Peeta’s blue eyes widen comically when he saw who was knocking. She noticed he had changed into jeans and a grey t-shirt already and took the gel from his hair, allowing his wavy hair to fall onto his forehead.

“Katniss, is everything alright?” He asked.

She glared at him, he honestly seemed sincere in his question. “Why did you tell me all of that?”

Peeta moved to the side and motioned for her to come in, she guessed he didn’t want a fight to get posted to the internet and cause issues for either of them. He closed the door and turned back to her. “I don’t know what I did, but I know you hate me and after a while, I just figured it would be easier for me to dislike you as well. The thing is no matter how much I tried I couldn’t. I’m sure I came off as more of an asshole than I meant, I just felt like I was being forced to go so far from how I really felt.”

“How did you really feel?” She whispered, afraid of what she’d find out.

Peeta’s shoulders deflated. “I like you and have from the day we met. But all of a sudden you changed and I didn’t know how to react. Self-preservation won out.”

Katniss shook her head, she couldn’t be hearing him right. “But you were with Cashmere, she made it a point to tell me all about it. Then your whispering with everyone behind my back.”

Peeta gave her a puzzled look, “What are you talking about? I’ve never done anything besides dance with Cashmere, in reality, she drove me nuts.”

“She told a few of us you did, she looked right at me when she did.” Katniss spit back, she was angry again.

Peeta raised his hands in surrender, “I swear I never touched her in any way that wasn’t professional.” Then realization came over his face. “She must have found out.”

“Found out what?” Katniss demanded.

“That I had a crush on you. She tried to get with me, but I didn’t take the bait. She must have done this to hurt me and you.” Peeta slowly reached for her hand, giving her plenty of time to pull it away. When she didn’t he rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and looked her straight in the eyes. “I swear on everything that I never did anything with her. I only wanted you, even when you made it apparent you wanted nothing to do with me, I couldn’t get passed it.”

Katniss narrowed her eyes for a moment as she tried to analyze everything he was saying. Had she really been that wrong about him? “And the whispering?”

“Some of the guys knew about my crush too or at least figured it out. They would try to get me to talk to you so I could fix it. Anytime I tried though you glared at me and I was too afraid.” Peeta spread his legs a bit so he could be closer to face level with her. “I’m leaving here soon, if you never want to see me again that’s fine but I don’t want you to leave thinking something that’s not true.”

Katniss looked him straight in the eyes, she always felt she was a good judge of if people were lying, it came from her rough childhood, and what she saw changed everything. “I don’t want that. I...maybe we could.” she couldn’t find the words, those were never her thing, instead she leaned in and kissed him.

His shock was apparent as he stumbled back into the door, breaking the kiss. She pulled back mortified that she had read it all wrong. He said he had a crush in the past, not that it was still there, especially after the way she’d treated him. Before she could apologize he regained his composure and put his hands on each side of her face and kissed her again. She felt the kiss flow through her body to her curled toes. She pulled him closer and could feel the effect she was having on him. A few steps away was the small couch, she lowered herself down pulling him with her. It was awkward, given his size and the size of the couch. It wasn’t going to work, but she wanted more.

He pulled back and pushed some of her hair behind her ear while giving her a sweet smile. “I want you, but not here, not like this.” He kissed her gently once more as if to make sure she believed him. “Come back to my place, I’ll cook for you and we can go from there. No expectations, just dinner.”

Katniss smiled, “That sounds nice.” He grabbed his wallet and keys, then walked her to her dressing room to get her bag. As they left she grabbed his hand, she’d already decided, they’d wasted enough time, tonight was all theirs.

#everlark #everlark fanfiction #everlarkbirthdaydrabbles #everlarkbirthdaygifts #fan fic #by historywriter2007

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everlarkficexchange · 4 years

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Two Households

Written by: @historywriter2007

This is the first chapter of the story, there will be 2 more, and I will post them as soon as they are done. With everything going on my writing time has been taken by other things.

For the Prompt 22: Set in early 20th century. Katniss and Peeta are from two rival families who have been enemies since forever. They have a chance meeting which led to them falling in love. They are completely unaware of their identity. Will their love survive or will their relationship crumble. [submitted by @mysteriouslycraftyreview]

Summary: Katniss feels an immediate connection with the mysterious many she meet on Lord Abernathy’s land. What she learns about him at the ball that evening makes her realize it’s will never be possible for them to be together. Unless he can convince her otherwise.

The fully story will be Rated M

~~~

Katniss tossed her hat onto the bed in her room before rushing through the doors. She thought she’d make it, but she wasn’t quick enough. Effie, her mother’s Lady’s Companion, blocked her path.

“Where are you going, young lady?” She demanded.

“Please Effie, I have been in that forsaken vehicle for far too long and just need a bit of fresh air. I will be much more agreeable if I get a chance to walk.” Katniss responded, knowing just how to convince Effie.

Effie let out a sigh, “Very well, but as soon as you hear the bell you must head back. We have a tight schedule and you must look your very best tonight. I am hearing you are being eyed by more than one suitor.”

Katniss smiled and swept past Effie, who was now calling out to Primrose. The moment Katniss pushed through the doors she felt a sense of calm. She hated riding in the car her father was so proud of. It seemed far too constricting to her, at least she was still in her travel clothing which meant she was sans corset and in a flowing white gown.

She made her way to the small opening in the foliage where she could have a full view of the lake. It was a bit of a walk and on Earl of Abernathy’s property, but he never cared and it was worth it. As she neared the opening she noticed a man was sitting on the bench looking over the lake. He was dressed as someone with stature, his blond hair perfectly styled and he had what looked like a book in his hands as he stared into the water. Katniss tried to back away without being noticed, however, a branch that broke with a deafening snap in the silence as she stepped on it.

The man turned around, his blue eyes met hers and for a moment she felt as if all the breath was pulled from her body. He stood quickly and smiled at her. “Good afternoon Miss.”

Katniss swallowed thickly before returning his smile. “Sorry to bother you, Sir, I was going to sit by the lake but I see this spot is already taken. I’ll continue my walk.”

He put out his hand in a gesture for her to stop. “That won’t be necessary, you could sit with me or I could leave if you’re more comfortable on your own. I wouldn’t want to stop you from taking a break. I know I needed one myself.”

Katniss walked towards him, she shouldn’t stay with him but something about his presence made her feel comfortable and safe. However, she feared what Effie would say if she found out she sat with a man without a chaperone. The scandal would cause her to have a heart attack.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to sit with a man I don’t know.” She responded, stopping a few feet from the man.

He smiled back, “My name is Peeta and my favorite color is orange.” He laughed when Katniss flinched at the idea of someone liking bright orange. “Maybe I should be more specific, I like a softer orange, like the sunset. Now that you know my name and favorite color, would you allow me to find out yours as well?”

Katniss couldn’t help the giggle that emerged, she found it endearing how he could speak so formally while asking for such silly information. “My name is Katniss and my favorite color is dark green.”

“Well, Katniss, now that we have covered the deep stuff would you entertain the idea of talking with me for a bit?” He stood back from the bench he had been sitting on allowing her more room to walk towards him.

Katniss eyed him for a moment before responding. “I’m sure if we keep a distance it would be alright.”

He smiled at her reply, “Good, I’m staying with Lord Abernathy, and I don’t have any friends in this area. It would be nice to have an ally tonight at the ball. I assume you are going as well.”

“I am. How well do you know Lord Abernathy? I haven’t seen you at any of his party’s in the past.” Katniss inquired.

“I know him well, but my family never ventured to the balls he’d thrown in the past. We actually didn’t travel out here often, but Lord Abernathy invited me and I decided to come this year.” Peeta answered.

A bell rang in the distance, she knew it was meant for her. “I’m sorry but I must go get ready for the ball.”

Peeta nodded, “May I ask to be added to your dance card? That is if it isn’t already filled.”

“My card is never full, I fear you confuse me with my sister. She is the belle of the ball.” Katniss responded.

“That doesn’t sound right, I’m sure you have many suitors. I just hope you will save a dance for me. Perhaps then we can speak again, even if it’s with a proper chaperone.”

Katniss smirked, “I shall see if there are any spots open, but no promises. I’ll see you tonight, Peeta.”

As she walked away she shook her head. She was flirting with him and giggling. That wasn’t like her, and worse, she liked the idea of him wanting to dance with her. Even though they kept a respectable distance her body vibrated with the energy between them. She could only imagine how it would feel to dance with him, to have his hands around her body. For the first time since she arrived Katniss was excited about the ball.

#Springtime Edition 2020 #historywriter2007 #prompt 22 #mysteriouslycraftyreview #submission

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betweenribbonsandrainbows · 4 years

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Praise to the mods and writers of @everlarkbirthdaygifts

@que-sera-sera88 even though she has moved on, thank you!

@ally147writes

@justajjfan

@booksrockmyface

@historywriter2007

@mega-aulover

If I missed anyone I truly apologize but know that I appreciate everyone’s efforts to provide Everlark birthday treats for all! We are so lucky to have a group committed to spoiling the fandom.

Ribbons and Rainbows

#everlarkbirthdaygifts #que-sera-sera88 #ally147writes #justajjfan #booksrockmyface #historywriter2007 #mega-aulover #anon #love note #submission

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jlalafics · 4 years

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I live your stories! A Simple Favor is just what I needed to read with all this crazy going on. Hope all is well and your family situation gets better soon!

Thank you, love. It’s much better though I’ve gotten some devastating news today...

I really appreciate that you enjoyed A Simple Favor, it’s been a joy to write it in this dark times. I hope you enjoy this last bit.

#historywriter2007 #A Simple Favor #i love my readers #sorry if I'm such a downer this week

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sohypothetically · 6 years

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So you feel like a little holiday gift exchange?

If so, we’ve got the cure!

@shesasurvivor and I decided on an old-school holiday exchange. You tell the universe what you want to read and what you are willing to write/offer in return.

You get matched with someone who wants to read or write that thing.

Fics are submitted, then revealed anonymously at Christmas and on New Year’s, names are dropped and you find out who wrote your gift.

Easy-peasy?

Yup.

But we need you... and your friends. It’s only fun if we have a bunch of particpants!

The link for sign ups is listed below. We also have a new tumblr site for this: thgseasonofhope.tumblr.com.

https://archiveofourown.org/collections/The_Hunger_Games_2018_Holiday_Gift_Exchange/signups/new

Dates:

Write-write-write until midnight December 15th.

Works revealed midnight, December 25th.

Other details:

Hunger Games Fandom only, please.

At least 1500 words.

Don’t reveal your identity once you have you pairing!

#shesasurvivor #creamytinydays #alys07 #alliswell21 #historywriter2007 #justajjfan #awkwardeverlark #sunsetsrmydreams

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bookgirl318 · 5 years

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The Prince’s Concert-New Story

Hi all!

I want to share my story that I wrote for the Hunger Games 2018 Season of Hope Holiday Gift Exchange on A03

This story was a gift for @historywriter2007 with the prompt:

Prince Peeta meets singer Katniss at a televised Holiday concert and falls in love, humor or Peeta messing up when he's usually smooth would be great too!

Check out my story The Prince’s Concert here

#everlark #katniss #peeta #fanfiction #bookgirl318 #historywriter2007

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katnissdoesnotfollowback · 6 years

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I need to know about It All Started with a Fake kiss! It sounds promising.

Ugh. Not promising at all. That would be this piece of pain in my neck:

P art 1

Part 2

Part 3

And fine. From the part 4 that makes me cringe every time I look at it:

**********

“I don’t need your pity, Katniss.” He picks up the loofah, squirting more of her soap onto it.

“Then it’s a good thing I’m not offering it,” she says with a half cocked smile and a touch of sass. Then she takes the loofah from him to scrub his body. He drapes his arms over the edges of the tub and watches her. Examines her, really, with his lips spasming in an apparent effort to hold back a smile.

“Then what are you offering?” His low question rekindles the heat in her core. She focuses on washing his arms and legs, pulling his torso towards her so she can get his back. Enjoying the feel of his wet chest pressed to hers.

“To wash your hair,” she states as she flings the loofah over her shoulder. It splashes into the tub and Peeta smiles at her, the expression sensual and devastating. “After all, you did wash mine.”

“Is this an extension of the ‘we protect each other’ pact?” He asks in a hesitant tone.

“If you want it to be,” she answers with a shrug and squirts a glob of shampoo into her palm.

“Sure. I could use protecting from the dangers of greasy, matted hair,” he says lightly, and Katniss laughs a little while she lathers up his locks. He closes his eyes and tilts his head into her touch.

#historywriter2007 #look at that ask

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badnovels · 5 years

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So I keep seeing stuff about Josh being stupid AF, but I will admit I have no idea what’s going on. Please bring me up to date on his newest crazy stunts. It’s much appreciated.

I don’t really know all of it either. I haven’t listened to or watched any of the interviews/podcasts/etc in their entirety. I just gather people think he’s lying about a variety of things and upset he’s focused on his gf for much of the interviews.

#reply #historywriter2007 #i still follow his tag for some unfathomable reason #but i'm not in the fandom #lol a fandom of 10 people #i'm glad i'm not invested at all #what freedom that is

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thgseasonofhope · 5 years

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I got the whole thing done. What I've posted to AO3 should be the full story. Sorry, it took an extra day! Thanks for doing all this, I can't wait to read all the stories!

That’s awesome! We can’t wait to read them as well.

#historywriter2007

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everlarkbirthdaygifts · 4 years

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Happy Birthday, norbertsmom!

Today, we wish the lovely @norbertsmom a very Happy Birthday! We hope you had a wonderful day, full of cake, presents, and puppy snuggles! To keep your party going, the wonderful @historywriter2007 has written a story just for you!

Happy Birthday, Norbertsmom! I hope it was a good one. Sorry, this is a bit later in the day, time got away from me today! I hope I did your prompt justice.

Prompt: “No, we’re not dating. Why would you think we were?”

“Have you seen yourselves together? Strangers probably think you’re married!”

More than Friends

Rated T for language

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Katniss stood between Peeta and Prim as they entered the grand dining room. It was filled to the brim with people she had never met, even though she’d been friends with Peeta since they were kids. Everyone was there to celebrate his oldest brother’s wedding, he’d warned her before they arrived that his mother’s side of the family was going to be there. Although she’d met everyone on his father’s side, his mother’s side wasn’t around. Especially after his parents divorced, but today everyone was together, even the witch herself was there playing to role of the doting mother, even though she’d been absent from their lives for years.

An older woman approached them, she had a warm smile and looked like she was related to Peeta’s mom. Katniss knew she’d seen her earlier at the ceremony, but Peeta hadn’t mentioned her.

“Peeta! It’s so good to see you.” She hugged Peeta then looked to Katniss. “This must be your girlfriend.”

“No, we’re not dating. Why would you think we were?” Katniss shot back. It was her standard response to everyone that assumed they were together, which happened a lot.

“Oh, sorry. It’s just you two seemed so in tune with each other during the ceremony. I guess I just assumed.” Aunt Milli replied.

“It’s alright, that happens a lot,” Peeta said with a smile.

Aunt Milli smiled back, but she noticed Peeta’s brother was alone. “Sorry, I need to catch Graham, I have something important to tell him. I’ll talk to you later Peeta.” She then rushed off.

Peeta sighed and looked over to the bar. “I’m going to get us some drinks.” He didn’t wait for Katniss to respond before walking away with his head slightly down.

Just as he was out of earshot Prim smacked Katniss on the arm.

“Owe, what was that for?” Katniss demanded while rubbing the spot. Her baby sister had a harder hit than she remembered.

“You’re so stupid. Why do you always have to be so bitchy when you respond to people who think you and Peeta are together?” Prim shot back.

“Because we’re not, I don’t know why she would think we were.”

“Please, have you seen yourselves together? Strangers probably think you’re married!” Prim remarked, as her hands flew in the air. The one trait she got from their father, she was very animated when she talked, especially when she was mad.

Katniss looked over at Peeta who was now ordering their drinks. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I’m not a child, I’m a grown woman in medical school and I know what I’m seeing is true. You have been giving him googly eyes at Peeta since we were kids, and he’s been returning them. You two do everything together, and I mean everything. Not to mention I’m pretty sure neither of you has gone on a date with anyone else in years. He’s coming back. Do yourself a favor and talk to him. I’m pretty sure your quick response hurts him more than you think.”

Peeta handed both of them a drink, Katniss took her’s and turned to her sister who gave her the look.

“Peeta, can we talk for a minute?” Katniss asked. He nodded and she led him from the room to a couple of chairs in the lobby.

She looked at him for a moment, Prim was right Katniss had always had a crush on Peeta and she hadn’t dated anyone because no one was as good as him. However, she feared to push anything else. She didn’t want to lose him. She racked her brain to come up with what to say, finally, she rushed out, “Are you alright?”

Peeta looked at her he had sadness in his eyes, but he answered the way she expected. “I’m fine.”

It was now or never, Katniss took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I rushed the answer to your Aunt, and everyone else that asks.”

“It’s alright Katniss, I get it we’re friends.”

“But…what if we were to. I mean, what if I.” Katniss kept fumbling as she tried to find the right words to say. Words that could mess everything up.

Peeta leaned in, “What if, what Katniss?”

She looked into his eyes and saw something she wasn’t expecting. Hope. It gave her the strength to say what was in her heart. “What if I wanted more?”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Peeta asked in disbelief.

“Yes, I want to try for more being just friends. That is if you want to as well, you don’t have to if you don’t.”

Katniss couldn’t finish her words, Peeta cut her off with a kiss. It was soft and sweet and made her feel alive.

He pulled away and touched his forehead to hers, “I’d like it if we were more than friends.”

“Good,” she replied before kissing him again.

#everlark #everlark fanfiction #everlarkbirthdaygifts #everlarkbirthdaydrabbles #fan fic #by historywriter2007

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everlarkficexchange · 5 years

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Singing Duets

Written by: @historywriter2007

Prompt 18: we’ve never met but our showers are on opposite sides of the same apartment wall so sometimes we’re showering at the same time and we sing duets AU? [submitted by Anonymous via @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Sorry for the delay, I didn’t have time to finish this for the first deadline. Thank you so much @javistg and @xerxia31 for putting this all together and for letting us procrastinators finish up!

Rated T

Katniss’ muscles hurt from moving all her stuff, but she still considered herself lucky to have a new apartment much closer to campus. Originally she thought it wouldn’t be that big of a deal to be so far from classes and the theater, but now that she had the lead role as Christine in the school’s presentation of The Phantom of the Opera, she was spending a lot more time on campus and the walk was getting to be too much. So when her best friend Annie offered her to sublease while she was studying abroad for the semester Katniss jumped at the opportunity.

Katniss turned on the shower and waited for it to warm up, she had to be at practice in an hour and felt the need to loosen up first. As she stepped under the stream she felt the warm water work through her muscles as she started to relax. Katniss started humming Baby It’s Cold Outside, even though Christmas was over it was still stuck in her head. She didn’t realize she was singing that loud until a distinctly male voice responded. At first, she froze, wondering who could be singing back, but then she remembered Annie telling her that she lived between two guys who were both amazing and helpful. She decided to see if he would keep singing and he did.

As she got ready she couldn’t help but smile. Katniss wondered who it was that as singing back, his voice was really nice and she wanted to meet him but it seemed weird to go over and just knock on the door. What would she even say? ‘Hi, I was just singing through our shower walls and wanted to see what you looked like.’ Yea, that wouldn’t work so instead she hoped she ran into him some other way.

She got to practice and started running through her lines, it was one of the first times they were all together and she found herself trying to see if she could match the voice with a face. With a voice that good she was sure he had to be connected to the music or theater department in some way. But as she went through the day no one sounded like him. However, she did notice one of the set designers looking at her a lot during the day. Whenever she caught him, he would turn his blue eyes from hers, a slight pink hue covering his cheeks. He was cute, but she wanted to find the source of the voice.

As the weeks went by she found that the mystery singer and she seemed to be on similar schedules, at least as far as their shower times went. They started taking turns bringing up a song to sing together. They sang all types of songs together. A few days after the first sign along the voice started singing Closer by The Chainsmokers and Halsey. Next, she started singing Shallow from A Star is Born. They sang Need You Know, Unforgettable, and during a rainstorm, A Little Fall of Rain from Les Miserables. They’d sang together for two weeks, but she never caught a glimpse of the man who’s voice belong to her singing companion.

One day as practice was starting Effie, their director called everyone together. Katniss noticed the set designer who had been watching her standing next to Effie.

“Gather round everyone, I have an announcement. Some of you may have heard that Cato injured himself, and you already know Marvel has left the production. That being said we were in need of a new Raul, and I am so excited to announce that I finally talked Peeta Mellark to take on the role. Some of you may be familiar with his mother, Gloria Mellark’s, work on Broadway. He did theater in high school, so I am sure he will have no problem getting up to speed.”

Katniss noticed the man she now knew as Peeta, didn’t make eye contact with her the whole time. It was almost as if he was embarrassed, or was hiding something.

Effie continued. “Let’s start with All I Ask of You, I want to hear Katniss and Peeta sing together. I am sure it will be fabulous.”

Peeta nodded and took his place across from Katniss on stage as the music started and Peeta sang for the crew for the first time.

“No more talk of darkness,

Forget these wide-eyed fears;

I’m here, nothing can harm you,

My words will warm and calm you.

Let me be your freedom,

Let daylight dry your tears;

I’m here, with you, beside you,

To guard you and to guide you.”

Katniss stared at him with wide eyes, after the first line she knew. Peeta was the mystery voice. The one who lived next door. Suddenly she was angry that he’d been there the whole time, and likely knew she was the one on the other side of the wall but never said anything. Instead, he just stared at her. Peeta cleared his throat, trying to get her to sing her part.

“Katniss, I know he has an amazing voice, but you need to sing your part too.” Effie joked. The music started again and she completed the song with him.

At the first break, Katniss pulled Peeta aside. “You’re the one, the guy I’ve been singing with. Why didn’t you tell me instead of creepily looking at me during practice?” She demanded.

Peeta’s eyes got wide at her clipped tone, then he calmly gave her his answer. “I am and I’m sorry, but I really didn’t know how to come up to you. You’re beautiful and intimidating. Not to mention if you think the staring was creepy, how creepy would it have been if I came up to you and said ‘I think we are singing duets together as we shower, would you like to get a cup of coffee?’”

Katniss just stared back, he was right, in fact, she was shocked she came up to him and said she knew who he was. For the first time, she really looked at him. He was better looking than the image her mind had made up to match the voice, he had ashy-blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a nice build. But she had more questions, “So you’re moving from set design to a lead role? How very Christine of you.”

Peeta rubbed the back of his head. “Yea, I guess so.”

“I don’t get it, Your voice is amazing and your mother is famous why aren’t you singing all the time?”

“That’s easy, I wanted to do it on my own. Plus I kinda like set design, I’ve always painted even though my mother hated it. I guess that’s a bit of a reason as well.” Peeta reached for her hand, which she allowed, “So can you please forgive me?”

Katniss nodded. She didn’t get a chance to speak to Peeta anymore as Glimmer, who was playing Carlotta, came up to them and faced Peeta.

“Peeta, a few of us are going out. It would be good for you to meet everyone.” She said in a sultry voice.

Peeta smiled at her, “Sure, I’d like that.”

“Wonderful, see you at The Arena.” Glimmer replied before she sashayed away.

“Are you coming?” He asked Katniss.

“No, you go ahead. I’m not a big partying kind of girl.” She responded before rushing from the stage.

For the next week, Katniss watched as Glimmer hung all over Peeta. She only paid attention to Peeta when they had to for a scene and it was hard to be professional. She was hurt that he would go for someone like Glimmer, who was perfect for the role of Carlotta in every way. Even when Peeta would sing in the shower she would stay silent. She also changed up the times she showered hoping he wouldn’t hear her. At first, she didn’t want to admit it, but she knew she was jealous.

Katniss tried to rush out of practice every day, but this time Peeta caught up with her. “Katniss, wait. We need to talk.”

Katniss reluctantly turned around. “What do we need to talk about?”

Peeta looked at her like she should know, “You’re avoiding me and even when we are practicing for the play you are not the same as the first day. Even Effie’s noticed it and she’s not happy.” He leaned in more to say the next part, “We don’t even sing in the shower like we used to. I miss it. I miss you.”

Katniss huffed, how dare he. He’s the one that is going out with that woman and now he wants her to act like everything was fine. She thought there may have been something there, something that could turn into a real relationship, but he was just like every other guy. Fake blonde hair and big boobs was all they needed to be happy. “I’m sure your girlfriend wouldn’t like to hear about our singing sessions. Even though there was a wall between us. I need to go.” She walked away not giving him a chance to respond.

When Katniss got home she thought twice about getting in the shower, but she was sure she’d beaten him home so it would be safe. She was wrong.

Moments after she washed her hair she heard him through the wall. The water turned on and she heard his deep voice through the sound of the water.

“Say something, I’m giving up on you

I’ll be the one, if you want me to

Anywhere, I would’ve followed you

Say something, I’m giving up on you”

Katniss thought about it for a minute, why did he choose that song? It was obviously meant for her. She finally gave in and sang along.

“And I am feeling so small

It was over my head

I know nothing at all

And I will stumble and fall

I’m still learning to love

Just starting to crawl”

After they completed the song she heard him again. “Katniss, I’m going to get dressed and come to your door. If you’re willing to hear me out please open it.”

She stared at the wall for a minute then jumped into action. She quickly threw on some yoga pants and a sweatshirt before pulling her wet hair into a high bun. As she was leaving her bedroom she heard his knock.

Peeta stood in the hall with a similar outfit on, his hair was still wet and she watched a drop of water escape down his throat. “Can I come in?” He implored.

She nodded and moved aside allowing him in, but they didn’t move from the entryway. Peeta took a deep breath and started the speech he prepared on his way home.

“I’m not with Glimmer, never have been, and never could be. I only agreed to go out because she said other people were going. It was a nightmare, no one else showed and all she talked about was herself. I drank a beer and rushed out of the bar.”

Katniss laughed at his description of the night, “If that’s true, why not totally pull away from her?”

Peeta huffed, “I’ve been trying to avoid her, but she is nothing if not persistent. There is only one person in that room I really want to get to know and she’s been doing a lot better job at avoiding me.”

“I thought you were with her and I couldn’t stand it,” Katniss admitted.

“Why is that? Could you have some possible feelings for me too?” Peeta asked.

Katniss’ cheeks reddened, “Maybe.” was all she dared to say.

Peeta smiled, “How about we see if there is something there? How about I take you to dinner tonight? We can talk and see if we can be more than singing partners?”

Katniss took a deep breath, this could be amazing or end very badly but she decided to take a chance. “Sure, but I have to get ready first.”

Peeta nodded and they made plans to go to the diner nearby.

That night started something new for both of them, Katniss liked seeing the look on Glimmer’s face when they left practice hand in hand and Effie loved the way they were on stage now that they worked through their issues. The reviews for the show were the best in school history, the newspaper for the closeby city even released a review raving about the young lead actors. Katniss and Peeta took it all in stride, and as they prepared for the spring show they no longer sang duets through the shower wall, instead they sang together in one.

#Springtime Edition 2019 #submission #historywriter2007 #prompt 18

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